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AAP
AAP
Ian Chadband

Halfway there! Superstar gets Kangaroos ready to rock

Australia's rugby league world champions will expect to leave England livin' on a prayer after getting a pre-Ashes boost from an unlikely superstar supporter at Wembley Stadium.

The Kangaroos and Jon Bon Jovi crossed paths at England's national stadium on the eve of Saturday's Ashes opener, with Kevin Walters and his squad getting just a teeny bit star-struck by meeting the 63-year-old rock god.     

Apparently, the feeling was mutual. The American star, on promotional duty as he returns to touring again with the band that carries his name following "daunting" vocal cord surgery, urged his new found mates: "Roos, get 'em tomorrow!"

He posed for photos with the team, caught a long pass niftily, got introduced to Walters and even received a hug from an unnamed admirer in the green and gold. 

These Aussies were "tough sons of bitches", he was heard noting admiringly, while musing about rugby league being "football without helmets."

"It was great to see him at training," said Walters.

"We didn't know that was happening. It was good to get him in and around the boys, he was pretty popular. 

"I'm not sure if he's coming to the game, but it was a good boost for our guys to meet him." 

Indeed, Cowboys forward Reuben Cotter reckoned they were all fans of the singer. 

So, didn't the hosts miss a trick by not getting a global superstar on their side, instead?

It seems England coach Shaun Wane had decided his team should not come to the stadium, giving them a day off after a heavy training session on Thursday while he undertook his media duties.

"That's okay, that's their preparation and the way they go about it," Walters said.

"But I was really happy with our preparation and the build-up of the week, particularly this afternoon to top it off. We're ready to go."

And doubtless, they'll already be halfway there to setting the Ashes alight in a Blaze of Glory ... 

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